Maytag Washing Machine: low flow error

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag washing machine displays a ‘Lo FL’ or ‘F8 E1’ error code, it indicates insufficient water flow during the fill cycle. This issue may cause the door to lock and the control panel to become unresponsive. Common causes include low water supply, clogged inlet screens, or a faulty inlet valve. Addressing this problem quickly can prevent further complications and ensure your washer operates efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Lo FL or F8 E1 error specifically indicates low water flow or insufficient water detected.

Possible Causes

Insufficient water supply to washer

How to Identify: Error appears when water does not fill washer or water level change is not detected; check if hoses are connected, turned on, kink‑free, and water supply is on. (Product Help | Maytag0search

Part: Water supply hoses, water inlet valve, home water supply

Clogged or restricted inlet screens or hoses

How to Identify: Low water pressure at washer inlet and no water flow despite open supply; screens may be visibly dirty when hoses removed. (Product Help | Maytag0search

Part: Inlet screens on water hoses, hose internal blockage

Faulty water inlet valve

How to Identify: Even with proper water supply and clear hoses, error persists; multimeter shows no response at valve solenoids. (Product Help | Maytag0search5

Part: Water inlet valve assembly

Low home water pressure

How to Identify: Other fixtures show low flow; Lo FL occurs only when water filling expected. (Product Help | Maytag0search3

Part: Household water pressure system

DIY Solutions

Check and open water supply

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Ensure both hot and cold water supply valves to washer are fully open.
  2. Check for kinks or bends in the supply hoses preventing flow.
  3. Restart the washer to see if error clears.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force hoses; turn off water before adjusting connections.

Clean inlet screens and hoses

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: small bucket, old toothbrush, towel
  1. Turn off water supply to washer.
  2. Unscrew supply hoses from back of machine.
  3. Inspect inlet screens on washer and hose ends for debris.
  4. Use brush to clean screens and flush hose ends.
  5. Reconnect hoses securely and turn on water.
  6. Run a quick fill to check flow.
⚠️ Safety First: Be careful with water residue; ensure hoses are tight to avoid leaks.

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve assembly

Estimated Cost: $50–$200

Service household water pressure or plumbing

Estimated Cost: $150–$400+

When to Call a Professional

After trying DIY fixes and Lo FL persists
If internal electrical components (valve) suspected faulty
If error occurs with correct water supply and clear hoses consistently

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean water inlet screens: Debris buildup causing low flow errors
    Frequency: annually
  • Check hoses for kinks or age‑related wear: Supply restrictions leading to low flow
    Frequency: semi‑annually
  • Monitor home water pressure: Inadequate water supply issues
    Frequency: periodically

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine low flow error?
The low flow error may be due to insufficient water supply, clogged hoses, or a faulty inlet valve.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine low flow error myself?
Check and open the water supply valves, and clean inlet screens and hoses for debris.
How much does it cost to fix low flow error?
Professional repairs range from $50–$200 for a new inlet valve to $150–$400+ for plumbing issues.
When should I call a technician for low flow error?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, or if plumbing problems are suspected, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Clogged or kinked water supply hoses
  • Faulty water inlet valve
  • Blocked or dirty filter screens in the inlet valve

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and straighten water supply hoses. Ensure they are not kinked or clogged. Disconnect hoses and clean them if necessary.

  2. Test the water inlet valve for continuity using a multimeter. If faulty, replace the valve with a new one.

  3. Remove the inlet valve and clean the filter screens. Reassemble and test the machine.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Maytag Bravos had LF error. I was going to install a new inl...

Community Discussions

LF error

Replaced the valve, connectors, and the control board.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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